A1 noun Neutral #2,599 most common

距離

kyori /kʲo̞ɾi/

Kyori refers to the physical amount of space between two points or objects. It can also be used figuratively to describe the psychological or emotional gap between people in a relationship.

Examples

3 of 5
1

ここから駅までの距離は1キロです。

The distance from here to the station is one kilometer.

2

両国の距離を縮めるために、会談が行われました。

A meeting was held to shorten the distance between the two countries.

3

最近、彼女との距離を感じるんだ。

Recently, I feel a distance between me and her.

Word Family

Noun
距離
Adverb
距離的に
Adjective
距離的な
Related
距離感
💡

Memory Tip

The first kanji (距) contains the 'foot' radical on the left; imagine using your feet to walk the distance.

Quick Quiz

家から学校までの___はどのくらいですか?

Correct!

The correct answer is: 距離

Examples

1

ここから駅までの距離は1キロです。

everyday

The distance from here to the station is one kilometer.

2

両国の距離を縮めるために、会談が行われました。

formal

A meeting was held to shorten the distance between the two countries.

3

最近、彼女との距離を感じるんだ。

informal

Recently, I feel a distance between me and her.

4

この星と地球の距離は、非常に正確に計算されている。

academic

The distance between this star and the Earth is calculated very accurately.

5

職場までの距離が採用の条件になります。

business

The distance to the workplace is a condition for hiring.

Word Family

Noun
距離
Adverb
距離的に
Adjective
距離的な
Related
距離感

Common Collocations

距離を置く to keep one's distance
距離を測る to measure distance
距離を縮める to close the gap / shorten the distance
一定の距離 a certain distance
長距離 long distance

Common Phrases

直線距離

straight-line distance / as the crow flies

心の距離

emotional distance

ソーシャルディスタンス

social distance

Often Confused With

距離 vs 道のり

Kyori is the displacement (straight line), while Michinori is the actual length of the path traveled.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when talking about measurable lengths like kilometers or meters, or when expressing social boundaries. It is more formal than simply saying 'tooi' (far) or 'chikai' (near).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'kyori' as an adjective (e.g., *kyori desu* for 'it is far'). Use 'tooi' for the adjective and 'kyori' when you want to mention the specific measurement.

💡

Memory Tip

The first kanji (距) contains the 'foot' radical on the left; imagine using your feet to walk the distance.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Japanese roots: 'kyo' (to reach/resist) and 'ri' (to leave/separate).

Grammar Patterns

AとBの距離 (The distance between A and B) 距離がある (There is a distance/gap) 距離を[verb] (Measure/shorten/keep distance)
🌍

Cultural Context

In Japanese society, 'kyorikan' (sense of distance) is vital for maintaining harmony; being too close too fast is often seen as rude.

Quick Quiz

家から学校までの___はどのくらいですか?

Correct!

The correct answer is: 距離

Related Words

unknown

A1

A student attending a university or college for higher education. In Japan, it specifically refers to undergraduate students in a four-year university or a two-year junior college.

革命

A1

A fundamental and sudden change in political power or social structure, often involving a shift in governance. It also refers to a major, transformative shift in technology, thought, or a specific field that completely alters how things are done.

維持

A1

The act of keeping something in its current state, condition, or level over a period of time. It is commonly used to describe the maintenance of health, systems, relationships, or the status quo.

縮小

A1

The act of reducing the size, scale, or scope of something. It is commonly used when talking about downsizing operations, shrinking digital images, or narrowing the range of a project.

契約

A1

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties that specifies terms and conditions. It is commonly used for mobile phones, apartment rentals, and employment agreements.

取引

A1

A transaction or business deal involving the exchange of money, goods, or services. It refers to the process of doing business with another party or making a trade.

借金

A1

A sum of money that is borrowed from a person or an institution and is expected to be paid back. It refers to the state of owing money or the specific amount of debt accumulated.

予算

A1

A budget or an estimate of the amount of money available for a specific purpose. It refers to the financial plan or limit set before spending occurs in personal, business, or government contexts.

賃金

A1

Chingin refers to the money paid to a worker in exchange for labor or services, similar to wages. It is frequently used in formal, legal, and economic contexts, particularly when discussing minimum wage or labor statistics.

降格

A1

A noun or verb that describes a reduction in rank, status, or position within an organization or sports league. It is most commonly used when a worker is moved to a lower job title or when a sports team is moved to a lower division due to poor performance.

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